SLIDESHOW/IMAGES/CASES

CASE OF THE WEEK

When examining this 7 year old‘s mouth, you see what appears to be an unusual number of teeth erupting in the lower jaw as shown in this picture. Should you be concerned?

Answer: No, there is no reason for concern. The permanent lower central incisors commonly erupt behind (or lingual to) the primary teeth. You can differentiate the permanent teeth from the primary teeth because the erupting permanent teeth are larger and have mamelons—bumps along the top of the tooth, which gradually wear down over time.

You can counsel this patient and family that, in all likelihood, the primary lower central incisors will soon become loose and fall out.  The tongue will gradually push the permanent lower central incisors into occlusion.

When to act?  After 6 months like this and the primary lower central incisors are still not loose, the child should be seen by a dentist for further evaluation.

ORAL HEALTH IN YOUR OFFICE

COMMON DENTAL PROBLEMS AND EMERGENCIES

Ankyloglossia and Sublingual Frenotomy

Article
Figure 1 Algorithm for Ankyloglossia
Figure 2 TABBY Tongue Assessment Tool

FLUORIDE/ FLUORIDE VARNISH/EDUCATION AND BILLING

CDC Fact Sheet: Community Water Fluoridation (with references)

CDC Infographic: How Fluoride Works

 

REFERRAL SITES/RESOURCES/MISC ARTICLES

American Academy of Pediatrics Section on Oral Health 

Dentistlink Dentist Referrals (Washington State)

Arcora Foundation – downloadable oral health education resources

Why do children need fluoride – posters in Spanish and English 

Free oral health materials for families (available in several languages)